In the advent of industrialization and globalization, humanity has greatly enjoyed the convenience brought about by science and technology. Yet, humanity also faces a multitude of critical environmental, socio-cultural, and ethical issues on an unparalleled scale, such as climate change, inequality, and moral degradation. Against this backdrop, Dr. Samuel Yin established the Tang Prize in December 2012 to encourage individuals across the globe to chart the middle path to achieving sustainable development by recognizing and supporting contributors for their revolutionary efforts in the four major fields of Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. The Tang Prize is global in reach, with laureates selected on the basis of the originality of their work along with their contributions to society, irrespective of their nationality or ethnicity.

Rooted in the long-standing cultural traditions of Chinese philosophical thought and in an outlook of convergence and mutual enrichment with other traditions, the Tang Prize aims to provide fresh impetus to first-class research and development in the 21st century, to bring about positive change to the global community, and to create a brighter future for all humanity.

Visual Identity

The Tang Prize Logo

The Tang Prize logo incorporates the award’s name in both English and Chinese in homage to the Tang Dynasty cosmopolitanism that the award celebrates.

The Chinese characters tang and jiang (唐 and 獎, “Tang Prize”) are inspired by the calligraphy of the Song Dynasty calligrapher Mi Fu. With their bold black strokes, the two characters appear as two human figures walking purposefully forward. The English words “Tang Prize” intersect with the Chinese characters at center to form a crossroads, symbolizing the meeting of the prize and its Eastern origins with the larger world.

Tang Prize Iconography and Symbolism

The Beast of Justice (獬豸, xiezhi), is a creature in Chinese mythology that symbolizes righteousness and justice.

This stylized form of the Beast of Justice reminds us to maintain impartiality of laureate selection, promote world justice, and seek the welfare of both humankind and the natural world.

In the Shuowen Jiezi, a second-century Chinese dictionary, the Beast of Justice is described as “a cattle-like animal with one horn. In ancient times, it would settle disputes by ramming into the party at fault.” Ever since, the mythic creature has been a symbol of justice in Chinese culture.

Color Scheme

RED symbolizes the energy and commitment of the Tang Prize for making a substantial contribution to human development. Red is also an auspicious color in traditional Chinese culture.

GOLD lines are a nod to the Tang Dynasty, from which the Tang Prize takes its name, since it is often considered a golden era of human history. It is a period bright with cosmopolitan culture, brilliant poetry, and scientific achievement.

BLACK is the dominant color in Chinese calligraphy and inkwash painting, two uniquely Chinese art forms.